Hellen Nalimo

Hellen's life, though only 33 years long, was defined by incredible resilience and a deep love for her two children, Melody and Oliver. Born and raised in the Kipsongo slum, her early life was marked by hardship. After enduring an abusive relationship she became a single mother, taking any work available, including begging on the streets, to make sure her children were fed.

Her strength and spirit were evident, and she was among the very first women invited to join Baskets and Beads, becoming one of the original five founding members. She was known for how hard she worked, for her loving heart, and for her kindness toward the other women. Full of life and hope, her home was often the first stop on visits to Kipsongo, a place where the team was always welcomed with laughter and shared prayer.

Hellen's health began to fail in 2023 when she was diagnosed with diabetes. Baskets and Beads helped her secure medication, but poverty made proper treatment nearly impossible. With no electricity and no refrigerator, she could not store the insulin she needed for her regular doses, and she could not afford the diet her doctors recommended.

Her last gathering with the group was the Baskets and Beads business conference in December 2024. Weeks later she became gravely ill and was rushed to hospital. Poor healthcare and a critical delay in attention led to hypoglycemic shock, and although she was transferred to Eldoret for further treatment, the damage was irreversible. Hellen went to be with the Lord on 9 January 2025, and was buried in Lodwar, her family's ancestral home.

Baskets and Beads Kenya is honoured to carry Hellen's legacy forward. Through the sponsorship program, Melody and Oliver are fully supported in their education and cared for as they grow.